Thermoelectric heat exchanger

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a system for thermally conditioning and pumping a fluid having use as a ventilation system for vehicle seats and other applications. The system includes a thermoelectric heat exchanger having a thermoelectric element configured to pump heat from one body to another body. A pair of heat exchanger elements comprising rotor units are coupled to the thermoelectric element for both transferring heat to and from the thermoelectric element and generating a fluid flow across the thermoelectric element. The conditioned fluid may be placed in thermal communication with a variety of objects, one of which is a vehicle seat to provide localized heating and cooling of a person sitting on the seat.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to temperature control devices.More particularly, the present invention relates to a thermoelectricheat exchanger that is particularly useful for controlling thetemperature of a seat, such as an automobile seat.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0004] Modern automobile seats may be equipped with temperature controlsystems that allow the occupant to vary the temperature of the seat byflowing temperature-controlled air through the seat covering. One typeof system comprises a seat having a heat transfer system mountedtherein, such as a thermoelectric element configured to heat or cool airthat is moved over the element using a separate fan unit that is alsomounted within the seat. The conditioned air is distributed to theoccupant by passing the air through the seat surface via a series of airducts within the seat.

[0005] The amount of space available within, below and around the seatfor such temperature control systems is severely limited. In some cars,to save weight or increase passenger room, the seats are a few inchesthick and abut the adjacent structure of the car, such as the floorboardor the back of the car. Further, automobile manufacturers areincreasingly mounting various devices, such as electronic components orvariable lumbar supports, within, below and around the seat.Additionally, the size of the seat, particularly the seat back, needs tobe as small as possible to reduce the amount of cabin space consumed bythe seat.

[0006] Present temperature control systems are often too large to bemounted within, below or around vehicle seats. Conventional systems mayhave a squirrel cage fan five or six inches in diameter generating anair flow that passes through a duct to reach a heat exchanger thatadjusts the temperature of the air. The heat exchanger is several incheswide and long, and at least an inch or so thick. From the heat exchangerthe air is transported through ducts to the bottom of the seat cushionand to the back of the seat cushion. Such systems are bulky anddifficult to fit underneath or inside car seats. Using thermoelectricdevices to heat and cool the heat exchanger helps reduce the size ofunit, but still requires a large volume for the combined heating andcooling system.

[0007] The ducting used with these systems is also bulky and difficultto use if the duct must go from a seat bottom to a seat back that isallowed to pivot or rotate. These ducts not only use additional spacewithin the seat, but also resist air flow and thus require a larger fanto provide the air flow, and the larger fan requires additional space orelse runs at greater speeds and generates more noise. Noise isundesirable inside motor vehicles. Further, the ducting affects thetemperature of the passing air and either heats cool air, or coolsheated air, with the result of often requiring larger fans or heatexchangers.

[0008] In light of these drawbacks, there is a need for a more compactand energy efficient heating and cooling system for automobile seats,and preferably a quieter system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] This device uses air flow generators, such as fan blades, thatact as both a heat exchanger to transfer a thermal differential from athermoelectric device and thereby condition air passing over the heatexchanger, and that act as an air pump. The heat exchanger rotates andprovides aerodynamic and centrifugal force to the air passing throughthe heat exchanger to generate pressurized air for distribution, such asto the seat of a motor vehicle.

[0010] In more detail, one embodiment of this device comprises at leastone annular thermoelectric device (e.g., Peltier device) that, dependingon the voltage applied, heats one surface and cools the opposing surfaceof the annular, thermoelectric device. Annular heat exchangers areplaced in thermal communication with the opposing sides of the annularthermoelectric device by mounting them directly to the thermoelectricdevice so that each heat exchanger conducts the heat or cold from thesurface of the device to which the heat exchanger is mounted. Aresistive heating element may also be used to generate heat.

[0011] In one embodiment, the annular heat exchangers are formed withradial slots extending through the heat exchanger, and form an annularcavity inside the heat exchangers when assembled. A motor nests insidethe annular cavity formed on the inside of the assembled annular heatexchangers and annular, thermoelectric device, but spaced apart from theheat exchangers and thermoelectric device by an amount sufficient toallow air to flow along the exterior of the motor. The motor isdrivingly connected to one of the heat exchangers and thermoelectricdevice to rotate them. The rotating heat exchangers act as a fan,drawing air into the annular cavity and expelling the air through theradial slots of the heat exchangers at a higher pressure. The volume ofcompressed air created is determined by the motor size, the fan bladeshape, the rotational speed, and the overall geometry of the assembly.

[0012] This arrangement allows the heat exchanger to be directly coupledto the thermoelectric device, and to act as a fan to not only generatethe air pressure that distributes the conditioned air to passengerseats, but to condition the air as the air passes through the fanblades/heat exchanger. This reduces ducting and associated pressurelosses, reduces the size of the system, and increases the overallefficiency of the system which in turn allows a reduction in fan sizeand power requirements. The compact arrangement allows the system to beplaced underneath, and preferably inside most automobile seats, whichfurther reduces ducting and associated pressure losses, and allowsfurther reductions in motor size and power. The result of the variousreductions is some combination of a smaller system volume, less powerconsumption, smaller size, and generation of less noise, than previouslyavailable.

[0013] Advantageously, a seal separates the opposing sides of therotating, annular heat exchangers to form a main, or supply side and awaste side. Air enters the assembly near the axis of rotation, whichadvantageously is aligned with the motor's rotational axis. The airexits radially or axially outward into a housing enclosing the majorityof the annular fan/heat exchanger. An outlet in fluid communication withthe main (or supply) side is in fluid communication with the seat of apassenger vehicle. An outlet in fluid communication with the waste sideis also in fluid communication with an outlet at a location that willnot degrade performance by allowing the waste air to be recirculated tothe air entry portion. The thermoelectric creates a temperaturedifferential between the supply side air and the waste side air. Layersof thermal insulation between the waste side and the supply side helpmaintain that temperature differential in portions of the assembly.

[0014] Power is supplied to the thermoelectric device by brush and slipring assemblies on the rotational axis of the motor. When appropriatevoltages and currents are applied to the thermoelectric and the motor, aflow of either cold or hot air is provided to the supply side by theheat exchanger that conducts the temperature differential throughout theheat exchanger, and heats or cools the air passing over the heatexchanger/fan blades by conduction and convection. Voltage adjustmentsto the motor and thermoelectric control the pressure, temperature andflow rate.

[0015] Advantageously, around a portion of the inside of the housingenclosing the annular fans, a wicking material is placed so that thematerial extends from the supply side to the waste side. If moisturecondenses on one rotating fan, it is urged against the wicking materialby centrifugal force from the rotating fan/heat exchanger. The wickingmaterial absorbs the moisture, and transports the moisture to theopposing side where heated air evaporates the moisture and carries themoisture out of the system.

[0016] There is thus advantageously provided a system for thermallyconditioning a fluid passing over a rotating heat exchanger that alsocauses movement of the fluid. The system comprises an electronic deviceselected to convert electrical energy into thermal energy producing atemperature change in response to an electrical current being appliedthereto. The electronic device is mounted to rotate about a rotationalaxis. A heat transfer device is placed in conductive thermalcommunication with the electronic device and is mounted to rotate aboutthe axis. The heat transfer device has thermally radiating surfacesarranged to produce a fluid flow across the surfaces when rotated aboutthe axis. The electronic device can comprise a heating resistor, or athermoelectric device that can heat or cool the fluid. Advantageously,the heat transfer device comprises a first series of outwardly-extendingthermally radiating surfaces connected to a first surface of theelectric device. A second series of thermally radiating surfaces may beconnected to an opposing, second surface of the thermoelectric device.In a preferred embodiment, the heat transfer device is contained in ahousing having at least one outlet in fluid communication with a seat.

[0017] The present invention also includes a means for producing atemperature change and a rotating supply side heat exchanger means forconducting the temperature change. The heat exchanger means furthercomprises fluid flow generating means for causing fluid to flow acrosssaid heat exchanger means. The fluid advantageously comprises a gas andthe supply side heat exchanger means is advantageously in fluidcommunication with a seat to provide gas from the heat exchanger meansto the seat.

[0018] The apparatus also comprises a device for thermally conditioninga fluid having a first fan rotating about a rotational axis and having afirst plurality of heat exchange surfaces in conductive thermalcommunication with an electronic device that converts electrical energyinto a temperature change. The fan is advantageously enclosed in ahousing that has an outlet.

[0019] The present invention also comprises a method for thermallyconditioning a fluid comprising the steps of producing a temperaturechange by an electronic device, conducting that temperature change to aheat exchanger having radiative surfaces, and rotating the radiativesurfaces to cause fluid to flow across the radiative surfaces.Advantageously fluid from the heat exchanger is placed in thermalcommunication with a seat, and the fluid comprises a gas, preferablyair. Alternatively, the thermally conditioned fluid is circulated to theinterior of a chamber which may comprise a gas plenum, or circulated toa thermally insulated chamber provided with a closable opening to allowaccess to the interior of the chamber—such as a cooler.

[0020] One method for producing a very compact form of the invention isto form a first heat exchanger having radiative surfaces aligned toallow the passage of air outward from an axis about which the heatexchanger rotates. The first heat exchanger is placed in conductivethermal communication with an electrical device that generates atemperature change when an electrical current is applied to theelectrical device. The first heat exchanger is then rotated about theaxis. Advantageously the electrical device comprises a thermoelectricdevice, and when placed inside a vehicle seat, provides a compact unitfor ventilating the seat.

[0021] The present invention further comprises means for producing atemperature differential and supply side heat exchanger means forconducting said temperature change, where the heat exchanger meansfurther comprises fluid flow generating means for causing fluid to flowacross said heat exchanger means. Advantageously, the supply side heatexchanger means is in fluid communication with a vehicle seat.

[0022] A further version of the invention comprises a first fan rotatingabout a rotational axis and having a first plurality of heat exchangeelements configured to generate a fluid flow through the heat exchangeelements when rotated and in conductive thermal communication with anelectronic device that converts electrical energy into a temperaturechange. The fan is advantageously enclosed in a housing that has anoutlet in fluid communication with a fluid distribution system, andpreferably the electronic device comprises a thermoelectric device.

[0023] There is thus provided a system for thermally conditioning andpumping a fluid having use as a ventilation system for vehicle seats andother applications, in which an electrical resistor or thermoelectricdevice generates a temperature change that is conducted to a heatexchanger which forms an impeller to cause fluid to flow across the heatexchanger and thermally condition the fluid. The thermally conditionedfluid may be placed in thermal communication with a variety of objects,one of which is a vehicle seat to provide localized heating and coolingof a person sitting on the seat.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] These and other features of the invention will now be describedwith reference to the drawings of an embodiment in which like numberindicate like parts throughout, and which are intended to illustrate andnot to limit the invention, and in which:

[0025]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the heat exchanger of the presentinvention;

[0026]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a rotary assembly of the heatexchanger of FIG. 1;

[0027]FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the heat exchanger along line3-3 of FIG. 1;

[0028]FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of theheat exchanger;

[0029]FIG. 5 is a top view of a rotor used with the heat exchanger;

[0030]FIG. 6 is a side view of the rotor of FIG. 4;

[0031]FIG. 7 is a schematic view of a seat temperature control systemincorporating the heat exchanger of the present invention;

[0032]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a cooler box that incorporates theheat exchanger;

[0033]FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional side view of a lid of the cooler boxof FIG. 8;

[0034]FIG. 10 is a side view of a fan unit incorporating the heatexchanger of the present invention;

[0035]FIG. 11 is a side cross-sectional view of the fan unit of FIG. 10;and

[0036]FIG. 12 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the heatexchanger.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] As shown in FIG. 1, the heat exchanger unit 28 of the presentinvention includes an outer housing 32 that defines an interior cavity29 (FIG. 3) in which a rotor assembly 30 (FIGS. 2 and 3) is rotatablymounted for producing a conditioned airflow into and out of the outerhousing 32. While other shapes are suitable, the outer housing 32 isshown as resembling a generally flat disc with a first surface or firstwall 31 that corresponds to an upper or top surface if the housing 32 isplaced in a seat bottom generally parallel to the ground. As usedherein, up or upper will refer to a direction away from the ground.Down, lower or bottom will refer to a direction toward the ground. Therelative direction of parts would alter if the entire orientation ofhousing 32 were changed, as may occur in actual use. A second wall 33,corresponding to a bottom surface, is opposite the first wall 31. Thegenerally circular peripheries of walls 31, 33 are joined by side wall35 to form an enclosure.

[0038] A first outlet 34 extends outwardly from the side wall 35adjacent the first or upper wall 31 of the outer housing 32. A secondoutlet 36 extends outwardly from the side wall 35 adjacent the second,or lower wall 33. Advantageously the outlets 34, 36 extend generallytangential from the periphery of the housing 32. The outlets 34, 36 areshown extending in generally opposite directions, about 180° relative toeach other. But depending on the particular direction the air needs toflow, the outlets 34, 36 could be located at other angles relative toeach other, with 60°, 90° on either side of the housing 32, being themost likely relative positions. The outlets 34, 36 could exit in thesame direction if desired, but then it would be advantageous to haveinsulation between the outlets to help maintain the temperaturedifferential between the outlets.

[0039] A set of apertures 38 are centrally formed in the first or topwall 31 of the outer housing 32 to form a first inlet 38 thatcommunicates with the interior cavity 29 formed and enclosed by theouter housing 32. Although not necessary, a second inlet 40 (FIG. 3) mayalso be located on the second or bottom wall 33 of the outer housing 32opposite the first inlet 38.

[0040] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the rotor assembly 30 generallycomprises a plurality of components including an annular first rotor 42,an annular second rotor 44 disposed below the first rotor 42, and atleast one annular thermoelectric device 46 interposed between, and inthermal communication with, the first rotor 42 and the second rotor 44.The thermoelectric device is also known as a Peltier device whichcomprises at least one pair of dissimilar materials connectedelectrically in series and thermally in parallel, and typicallycomprises a series of n-type and p-type semiconductor elements connectedelectrically in series and thermally in parallel. Depending on thedirection of current passing through the thermoelectric device 46, onesurface will be heated and the opposing surface will be cooled. Thethermoelectric device 46 generates a temperature differential thatcauses heat to transfer by conduction through the rotors 42, 44. Thegreater the temperature differential, the greater the rate of heattransfer. Current thermoelectric devices can generate a temperaturedifferential of 70° C. across the opposing surfaces of thethermoelectric device, and if the devices are stacked, temperaturedifferentials of 130° C. are currently possible. The temperaturedifferentials and efficiencies are expected to increase as thetechnology improves.

[0041] The rotors 42, 44 comprise annular heat exchangers in directthermal communication with the thermoelectric device 46 to conduct heatthroughout the rotors 42, 44, primarily by thermal conduction to therebyform a short thermal path length between the rotors 42, 44 and thethermoelectric device 46. Depending on the material and construction ofthe rotors 42, 44, the rate of thermal conduction will vary. The rotors42, 44 also allow air to pass outward, such as in a radial direction,through the heat exchanger, and further comprise blades of fans thatcause the air to pass outward through the rotors 42, 44. The heatexchanger thus forms the fan that causes the air to flow through theheat exchanger. Alternatively phrased, the fan that generates the airflow also forms the heat exchanger. In one embodiment, the fins of theheat exchanger comprise the blades or airfoils of the fan generating theair flow. Alternately, the heat exchanger could comprise a series ofheat exchange surfaces that are configured to generate an airflow whenthe surfaces are rotated.

[0042] The rotors 42, 44 are advantageously formed by taking a length ofheat exchanger of aluminum or copper that is formed from a flat strip ofmetal having corrugated or accordion-like pleats folded so heat sinksand sources can be connected at the ends of the pleats where the metalfolds to change direction. The pleats are orientated so air can flowalong the corrugations of the heat exchanger. The opposing ends of thatlength of heat exchanger are curved toward each other, and thenoverlapped and fastened together either mechanically or by thermal oradhesive bonding. This bending forms the previously straight length intoa circle so the air flows radially through what is now a circular heatexchanger. In this annular configuration the heat exchanger caneffectively act as the blades of a squirrel cage fan or a circular fan.This method is advantageously used to form both the first rotor 42 andthe second rotor 44.

[0043] In the illustrated embodiment, the first rotor 42 is located onthe supply side of the heat exchanger that supplies conditioned air to auser, and has an outer diameter that is smaller than the diameter of thesecond rotor 44. The second rotor 44 is located on the waste side of thesystem and exhausts conditioned air, advantageously to a location thatdoes not direct air to the supply side or that otherwise directs air toa location that could affect the user. Each of the components areaxially aligned to rotate about a central axis aligned with a driveshaft or axle 52 of motor 50. A disc-shaped connector 51 having acentral aperture is disposed on top of the first rotor 42 and the motor50. The motor 50 may be directly coupled to the axle 52 or could beindirectly coupled, such as via a gear assembly.

[0044] The connector 51 mechanically couples at least one of the shaft52 or motor 50 to the first rotor 42 so that the motor 50 is configuredto rotatably drive the first rotor 42, the thermoelectric device 46, andthe second rotor 44 about a common axis, as described in more detailbelow. The interior diameter of rotors 42, 44 is advantageously largeenough to allow motor 50 to be inserted inside the space formed insidethe annular rotors 42, 44, to minimize the height of the unit along thelongitudinal axis about which rotors 42, 44 rotate.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 3, the rotor assembly 30 is mounted within theouter housing 32 on a drive axle 52 that, in the illustrated embodiment,is journaled at opposing ends of the axle on shaft bearings 54 which areadvantageously mounted to walls 31, 33. The drive axle 52 of the rotorassembly 30 is axially aligned with the first and second inlets 38 and40 of the outer housing 32. -The outer housing 32 could also be equippedwith only a single inlet or with more than two inlets.

[0046] The plane of the thermoelectric device 46 defines a boundary line56 that divides the interior cavity 29 into an upper portion or supplyside 58 and a lower portion or waste side 60. The first rotor 42 islocated within the upper portion or supply side 58 and the second rotor44 is located within the lower portion or waste side 60.

[0047] As best shown in FIG. 3, the rotor assembly 30 further includes afirst annular plate 63 that is disposed between a top edge of thethermoelectric device 46 and a bottom edge of the first rotor 42. Asecond annular plate 65 is disposed between a bottom edge of thethermoelectric device 46 and the top of the second rotor 44 so that thethermoelectric device 46 is interposed between the first and secondplates 63 and 65. The first and second plates 63 and 65 are preferablymanufactured of a material that is thermally conductive but iselectrically insulative, such as, for example, alumina. In oneembodiment, a heat-resistant, thermally-conductive adhesive, such assilver-filled silicon adhesive, is used to mount the first rotor 42 tothe first plate 63 and the second rotor 44 to the second plate 65.Alternately, plates 63 and 65 may be omitted and the first and secondrotors 42 and 44 may be directly attached to the thermoelectric device46.

[0048] An annular, disc-like insulation member 64 of thermally insulatedmaterial extends from between the rotors 42, 44, radially outward andends before it hits the inside of the side walls 35. Advantageously themember 64 is positioned on top of the second annular plate 65 adjacentthe inner and outer periphery of the thermoelectric device 46 and isplaced generally in the plane containing boundary line 56. Theinsulation member 64 is dimensioned to extend radially inward andoutward from the thermoelectric device toward the motor 50 along theboundary line 56. A gap 66 is defined between the outer periphery of theinsulation disc 64 and the interior surface of the outer housing 32,with the gap 66 forming an air bearing to reduce the passage of airacross the gap 66.

[0049] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a thin and flexible annular seal 70 ofthermally insulated material is positioned so as to extend radiallyinward from the interior surface of the outer housing 32 generally alongthe boundary line 56. The annular seal 70 is preferably sized so that itoverlaps, but does not contact the adjacent surface of the insulationmember 64. The annular seal 70 cooperates with the insulation member 64to define a labyrinth seal around the outer periphery of the member 64that thermally insulates the upper portion or supply side 58 of theinterior cavity 29 from the lower portion or waste side 60 of theinterior cavity 29. The insulation member 64 and annular seal 70 preventsignificant heat convection between the waste and main sides. Theannular seal 70 can be in the form of an air bearing that facilitatesrotation of the rotor assembly 30. The insulation member 64 may compriseany of a wide variety of heat resistant, thermally-insulative materials,such as expanded polypropylene.

[0050] With reference to FIG. 4, at least a portion of the interiorsurface of the housing 32 advantageously is coated with a wickingmaterial 78 that is adapted to absorb and conduct moisture. The wickingmaterial 78 extends between the upper and lower portions 58, 60, andadvantageously comprises a woven cotton fabric that has been texturecoated to prevent microbe growth. The wicking material 78 absorbscondensed moisture expelled by centrifugal force from whichever rotor42, 44 produces the condensation, and conducts the moisture to the otherrotor where it is evaporated by the heated air—in order to avoidaccumulation in the interior cavity 33 and in passages distributing thecooled air. Advantageously the wicking material 78 absorbs enoughmoisture to prevent accumulation in the downstream passages in fluidcommunication with whichever rotor 42, 44 is cooled prompting apotential for condensation.

[0051] The annular seal 70 must allow the wicking material 78 to pass.Thus, the seal 70 may be connected to an exterior surface of thematerial 78, may extend through the material 78 at intermittentlocations, or may connect to side walls 35 at locates where the material78 is absent. The material 70 could also extend outside of the interiorcavity 33.

[0052] Referring to FIG. 3, electrically-conductive wires 80 areelectrically coupled to the thermoelectric device 46 to provide anelectrical potential thereto in a well known manner through brushes 84that are in electrical communication with the rotating drive axle 52.Because electrical current must be provided to the thermoelectric device46 in a closed circuit, two brushes 84 are in electrical communicationwith the axle 52 and thermoelectric 46 through brush and slip-ringassemblies known in the art. Other electrical connections, such as, forexample, an inductive coupling, can be devised given the presentdisclosure.

[0053]FIGS. 5 and 6 are top and side views, respectively, of the firstrotor 42. The structure of the second rotor 44 may be identical to thatof the first rotor 42, although the respective dimensions may differ.The following more detailed description of the first rotor 42 istherefore equally applicable to that of the second rotor 44. The firstrotor 42 comprises a strip of corrugated metal having two connected endsso that the first rotor 42 is annular in shape. The corrugations oraccordion-like pleats in the first rotor 42 form a series ofradially-extending fins or blades 91 that define a series ofradially-extending chambers or spaces 92 therebetween. Referring furtherto FIG. 4, the width (i.e., the circumferential distance betweenadjacent fins 91) of the chambers 92 gradually increases moving radiallyoutward from a center point 90 of the first rotor 42. Each rotor 42 and44 has an inner radius R₁ and an outer radius R₂. The spacing betweenadjacent fins 91 is sufficiently wide at the inner radius R₁ to allowair flow radially outward through the rotor 42.

[0054] In the illustrated embodiment, the blades 91 comprise generallyflat walls that are connected and extend radially outward from a centerpoint 90 on the rotational axis of the rotor 42. This design is notbelieved optimum from the aerodynamic viewpoint of moving the maximumvolume of air through the rotor 42 for a given rotational speed or rotorsize. The blades 91 may also be aerodynamically configured to providevarious airflow profiles. For example, the blades 91 may be s-shaped,c-shaped, etc. Alternately, the blades 91 may comprise any type ofstraight or curved surface that produces an airflow when the surfacesare rotated.

[0055] The outer radius R₂ preferably ranges from approximately 12-75 mmwhen incorporated into a temperature control system for a motor vehicleseat. The radial length of the blade 91, the difference between theinner radius R₁ and outer radius R₂, is approximately 10-40 mm when theheat exchanger 28 is incorporated into a temperature control system fora motor vehicle seat, as described below with reference to FIG. 7. Theblades 91 may have a height measured along the rotational axis, in therange of approximately 6-15 mm when used with car seats. Adjacent blades91 are preferably spaced apart a distance of approximately 0.5-2 mm fora temperature control system for a seat. The thickness of the blades 91when made of copper or aluminum is preferably in the range ofapproximately 0.05-0.2 mm when incorporated into a car seat.

[0056] In an alternative embodiment, the thermoelectric device 46 isreplaced by a resistive heating element which converts electrical energyinto heat energy. This resistive heating element does not have thecooling capability of the thermoelectric device 46, but it does providedheat air which may have wider applicability in certain climates.

[0057] Referring to FIG. 3, in operation, the motor 50 rotate the axle52 by activating the power source through a control, such as a manualswitch or a thermostatically controlled switch. The motor is in drivingcommunication with the first rotor 42, the second rotor 44, and thethermoelectric device 46 so as to rotate those components about therotational axis of drive axle 52. The rotation of the first rotor 42creates a pressure differential that draws air into the supply side 58of the interior cavity 29 through the first inlet 38. The air flows intothe spaces 92 and radially outward across the blades 91 of the firstrotor 42. The rotation of the rotor 42 imparts centrifugal force to theair that propels the air radially outward from rotor 42 so that the airtravels out of the supply side 58 of the interior cavity 29 through thefirst outlet 34.

[0058] In a similar manner, the second rotor 44 also rotates and drawsare into the lower portion or waste side 60 of the interior cavity 29through the second inlet 40 (or through either inlet 38 or 40 if onlyone inlet is provided). The air passes through the spaces 92 between theblades 91 of the second rotor 44, radially outward across blades 91, andis propelled out of the waste side 60 through the second outlet 36. Thedivider 64 keeps the air flows from intermingling, and because it isthermally insulated, maintains a temperature differential between thesupply side 58 and waste side 60.

[0059] The electrical wires 80 also supply an electrical current to thethermoelectric device 46, advantageously through shaft 52, so that thethermoelectric device 46 heats the rotor 42 and cools rotor 44, or coolsrotor 42 and heats rotor 44, depending on which direction the electricalcurrent flows through the thermoelectric divide 46. As the air flowsacross the blades 91 of the first rotor 42 and the second rotor 44, theair is either heated or cooled through a convective process. That is, onthe hot side of the thermoelectric device 46, heat is transferred to theair from the heated fins of the rotor as the air flows thereover. On thecooled side of the thermoelectric device, heat is absorbed from the airas the air passes over the cooled rotor to thereby cool the air. Theheat exchanger thus produces heated air through one outlet and cooledair through the other outlet. The heated or cooled air is then directedto the appropriate location in the seat for heating or cooling thepassenger seat. The air with the undesired temperature is vented to alocation where it will not noticeably affect the vehicle passengers.Preferably, the waste air is vented to a location such that the wasteair is not drawn back into the outer housing 32.

[0060] The first rotor 42 and the second rotor 44 simultaneouslyfunction as fan units for generating an airflow at a predeterminedpressure and also as heat exchangers for transferring heat to and fromthe airflow and maintaining the airflow at the desired temperature. Bycombining the heat exchanger function into the fan that generates theair flow, several advantages are achieved. By forming the heat exchangerinto an annular fan and nesting the motor inside the heat exchanger/fan,space and weight savings are achieved.

[0061] Currently used systems are about 45 mm in height, which is toobig for many motor vehicles. Newly designed systems are about 30 mm inheight, but a great number of motor vehicles still have seats too smallto accommodate such fans underneath or around the seat, and few canaccommodate that size within the seat. Fan and heat exchanger units 28with a height below about 20-30 mm will accommodate a majority ofautomotive seats, and the present invention can allow such construction.But systems 28 of the present invention having a height of about 16 mmare believed possible, which is about half the height of the smallestsystems currently available, and small enough to allow the use of theheating/cooling system inside a significant majority of seat bottoms andseat backs currently used in motor vehicles.

[0062] This height reduction represents the distance between walls 31,33 and associated ducting to carry the air to the location within theseat. The design of rotors 42, 44 can be used to vary the dimensions,with the heat exchanger surface area of blades 91 being a compromisebetween blade height, blade length, and diameter, and that area must beoffset by the change in performance and rotational speed of the fan.Also, shorter rotors 42, 44 can be achieved by increasing the diameterof the rotors or by operating the rotors at higher speeds, which mayincrease noise.

[0063] Further, the design eliminates the interconnecting ductingbetween the fan and the heat exchanger, saving weight, size and pressurelosses in the transmitted air. The small size also allows placement ofheating and cooling systems directly in the seat bottoms and backs,further reducing the need for ducting, and especially reducing the needfor ducting across the pivoted joints between seat bottoms and backs.The reduced ducting and its associated pressure losses and performancedegradation, also allows the use of smaller fans, which use less energyand generate less noise.

[0064] Moreover, the consolidation of several parts and functions allowsa reduced manufacturing cost and an increase in efficiency of thesystem. The drag normally caused by passing the air over the heatexchanger is significantly reduced because the heat exchanger forms thefan blades that generate the air flow. Thus, savings of about 25%-35% ofthe fan power are believed possible. Further, adequate heating andcooling of a motor vehicle seat are believed to use about 1000 wattsless than the power needed to provide the same comfort level to apassenger using the heating and cooling system of a motor vehicle—whichmust heat and cool the entire passenger compartment rather than thelocalized environment of the seat on which the passenger sits.

[0065] A further advantage is the reduction of noise because two smallfans can be used. The rotors 42 and 44 preferably operate at arotational speed in the range of approximately 2,000-5,000 revolutionsper minute, although speeds of about 1000 rpm may be desirable in someapplications, and higher speeds of up to 10,000 revolutions per minutein others. The rate of airflow of the main side of the heat exchanger isin the range of approximately 2-6 cubic feet per minute at a pressure ofabout 0.2-1 inches of water, with a flow rate of about 3-4 cfm beingpreferred. The rate of airflow of the waste side of the heat exchangeris in the range of approximately 2-10 cubic feet per minute, at apressure of about 0.3-0.4 inches of water. The rotors 42, 44 with theblades acting as conductive heat exchanger as well as fan blades to moveair, provide these needed air flows. In typical automobile use, 12 voltmotors drive the rotors 42, 44 This fan flow rate and pressure aresmaller than in prior seat systems where the fan had to generate enoughpressure and air flow to provide air to both the bottom and backrestportions of the seat.

[0066] To further enhance the above advantages, in a further embodimentthe blades 91 may comprise a series of independent walls mounted on anannular plate where the blades 91 are contoured or curved to provide apreselected airflow profile when the first rotor 42 rotates,advantageously a profile that is more efficient than the straight blades91 described above while still conducting heat well and maintaining alow manufacturing cost. Further, the blades 91 as illustrated anddescribed above are not optimized for minimizing noise, and noisereduction is an important consideration for equipment operating insidethe passenger compartment of motor vehicles. A more refined design ofthe blades 91 could advantageously reduce noise. It is believed that thelevel of noise generated by rotation of the rotors 42 and 44 generallydecreases as the number of blades 91 increases. To accommodate thethermal transfer use of the rotor blades 91, more blades are likely tobe required than may be desirable for optimum performance if the rotors42, 44 were designed solely for use as fans to move air—without regardto the heat transfer function and noise of the rotors 42, 44.

[0067] The compact design also reduces the weight of the unit. Asmentioned, the blades 91 are preferably manufactured of a thermallyconductive material, such as pure annealed aluminum, carbon, and copper,which are known to be highly thermally conductive materials. Othermaterial may be used as scientific advances in conductive material aremade. While copper is heavier than aluminum, its increased thermalconduction properties offer advantages and design options in configuringthe rotor blades 91 to perform both heat transfer and air movementfunctions. The blades preferably have a thermal conductivity rate ofgreater than about 12 w/m·° K.

[0068] The conditioned air that flows out of the first and secondoutlets 34 and 36 may be put to any of a wide variety of uses. In oneembodiment, the heat exchanger 28 is incorporated into a ventilationsystem for vehicle seats, such as for automobiles, as described belowwith reference to FIG. 7. It will be appreciated that the heat exchanger28 could also be used in other applications as well.

[0069] Referring to FIG. 7, an automobile seat temperature controlsystem 112 comprises at least one seat 114 and a pair of heat exchangers28 a and 28 b (referred to collectively as “heat exchangers 28”) mountedtherein. The heat exchangers 28 are of the type described above withreference to FIGS. 1-6. In the illustrated embodiment, the first heatexchanger 28 a is mounted within a seat bottom 118 and the second heatexchanger 28 b is mounted within a seat back 120. The heat exchangersmay also be mounted adjacent any portion of the seat 114, such as belowor on the side of the seat 114.

[0070] The seat 114 has a series of channels 116 for the passage of air.An outer covering 117 of the seat 114 surrounds a padding layer 119through which the channels 116 extend. The outer covering 117 isdesirably perforated or air-permeable to allow air to flow therethroughfrom the channels 116. The seat 114 also includes seat bottom 118 andseat back 120 extending upwardly therefrom for supporting a human bodyin a sitting position. The outer covering 117 may comprise any wellknown material for covering seats, such as perforated vinyl, cloth,perforated leather, etc. The padding layer of the seat 114 may compriseany well-known material for enhancing user comfort, such as reticulatedfoam.

[0071] With reference to FIG. 7, the first outlet 34 (FIG. 1) of thefirst heat exchanger 28 a is attached to channels 116 that extendthrough the seat back 114. The first outlet 34 of the second heatexchanger 28 is attached to the channels 116 that extend through theseat bottom 118. Each of the heat exchangers 28 is electrically coupledto a power source via a control switch so that a user may selectivelypower the heat exchangers via the power switch. A control switch is alsocoupled to the heat exchangers 28 for reversing the polarity of theelectrical current applied to the heat exchangers 28 in a well knownmanner. The control switch is used to switch the heat exchangers 28between a heating and a cooling mode. In the heating mode, the heatexchangers 28 pump heated air into the seat 114. In the cooling mode,the heat exchangers pump cooled air into the seat 114. The heatexchangers 28 may also be coupled to separate power and temperaturecontrollers for providing independently-controlled conditioned airflowto the seat back 114 and the seat bottom 120.

[0072] A feedback control system including a temperature sensor, such asa thermocouple, may also be provided. The system 112 may also beequipped with a control system for varying the speed of the rotors 42and 44 to vary the flow rate. Those skilled in the art will appreciatethat any of a wide variety of control devices may also be provided.

[0073] The channels 116 may comprise a series of plastic ducts or pipesthat are coupled to at least one of the first and second outlets 34, 36of the heat exchangers 28 and disposed within the seat 114.Advantageously, the ducts may be formed by heat sealing the plastic foamof which the seat is made, or by coating the duct with a sealant toreduce air loss through the duct. The channels could also comprise airgaps within a permeable material, such as reticulated foam, that allowair to flow therethrough. Additionally, the channels may comprise anytype of passage for the flow of air, such as ducts, pipes, small holes,etc.

[0074] Preferably, a main duct 137 is connected to the first outlet 34for routing the cooled or heated air to the seat 114 surface 117 via thechannels 116. A waste duct 138 is connected to at least the secondoutlet 36 for routing the unwanted “waste” air to the outsideenvironment away from the passenger occupying seat 114.

[0075] In operation, the power switch is activated to supply anelectrical current to the heat exchangers 28. As discussed above, thethermoelectric device 46 and the main and second rotors 42 and 44combine to generate a flow of heated or cooled air which is routed tothe main ducts 137 and throughout the seat 114. The conditioned airflows out of the channels 116 through the permeable outer covering 117to thereby cool or heat the occupant of the seat 114. Desirably, thewaste air is routed away from the seats 114 through the waste ducts 138.

[0076] The waste ducts 138 can advantageously vent below the seat bottom118 because the heating and cooling system in the passenger compartmentcan produce typically over 20 times the amount of heat or cool air as isexhausted through waste duct 138. As long as the waste ducts 138 do notvent directly on a passenger, toward a passenger, or on the inlets 38,40 the environmental heating and cooling equipment will amply dissipatethe output from waste ducts 138. A waste duct 138 connecting unit 28 alocated in the back portion 119 can vent below the seat bottom 118without having a duct extend across the pivoted joint between the bottomportion 118 and backrest 119. Because the airflow of waste duct 138 isdownward toward the seat bottom 118, two aligned openings, one at thebottom of back portion 119, and one in the seat bottom 118, aresufficient to convey the air to below the seat bottom 118.

[0077] As shown in FIG. 8, in another embodiment, the heat exchanger 28is incorporated into a cooler, such as an ice chest 140. In theillustrated embodiment, the ice chest 140 comprises a rectangular boxthat includes a base wall 144 and four side walls 146 extending upwardlytherefrom. A lid 150 is pivotably mounted on the four side walls 146 ina well known manner to provide access to a storage space 152 defined bythe walls of the ice chest 140. The walls of the ice chest are desirablyinsulated in a well known manner to maintain the temperature of thestorage space 152.

[0078]FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional side view of the lid 150 of the icechest 140. At least one heat exchangers 28 of the type described abovewith reference to FIGS. 1-6 is disposed within the lid 150. The heatexchanger 28 is connected to a power source (not shown), such as abattery of the proper voltage and power, and is configured to operate ina cooling mode such that it outputs a flow of cold air at the first fan42, as described above. The heat exchanger 28 is rotatably mountedwithin the lid 150 such that the waste side of the heat exchanger 28 ispositioned between top and bottom walls 156, 158, respectively, with aninsulation member positioned to thermally separate the main and wastesides. The main side of the heat exchanger 28 is disposed immediatelybelow the bottom wall 158. A cover unit 159 is positioned over the mainside of the heat exchanger 28. The cover unit 159 includes a series ofapertures to allow air to flow through the main side of the heatexchanger 28. The main side of the heat exchanger 28 is positionedwithin the storage space 152 of the ice chest 140 when the lid 150 isclosed.

[0079] The waste side of the heat exchanger 28 is disposed between thetop and bottom walls 156 and 158 of the lid 150. An inlet 38 extendsthrough the top wall 156 to allow air to flow into and out of the heatexchanger 28. The lid 150 is preferably filled within insulativematerial around heat exchanger 28.

[0080] In operation, the heat exchanger 28 is powered in the coolingmode so that the first fan 42 generates a flow of cooled air within thestorage space 152 when the lid 150 is closed. In this manner, thestorage space 152 is maintained at a relatively cool temperature. Theheated waste air is routed to the outside environment such as through anoutlet in the top wall 156 of the lid 150. Any of a wide variety ofarticles, such as food, may be stored within the storage space 152.

[0081] With reference to FIG. 10, there is shown a fan unit 200 that isconfigured to be mounted adjacent or within a standard desk. The fanunit 200 includes a housing 202 that is pivotably mounted to base 204.The housing 202 is substantially cylindrical shaped and includes aconditioned air outlet 206 and one or more waste air outlets 208 aroundthe periphery of the housing 202. An air inlet 210 is located in thehousing 200 opposite the conditioned air outlet 206. A control switch212 and a power cord 214 are coupled to the base 204 for selectivelypowering the fan unit 200 and/or the thermoelectric element 232 in awell known manner.

[0082]FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the fan unit 200. An annularduct 216 is disposed within the housing 202 and defines the conditionedair outlet 206. A second duct 218 defines the waste air outlets 208. Adrive axle 220 is rotatably mounted within the housing so as to beaxially-aligned with the conditioned air outlet 206. In the illustratedembodiment, a motor 222 is drivingly coupled to the drive axle 220 via adrive belt 224. A rotor assembly 226 is mounted to the drive axle 220 sothat the rotor assembly rotates with the drive axle 220.

[0083] The rotor assembly 220 comprises a main fan 228 adjacent theconditioned air outlet 206 and an annular waste fan 230 on the side ofthe main fan 228 opposite the conditioned air outlet 206. Athermoelectric element 232, such as a Peltier heat exchanger, isinterposed between the main and waste fans 228 and 230. The main fan 228has a circumference that is less than or equal to the circumference ofthe conditioned air outlet 206 so that the main fan is configured tocause air to flow through the conditioned air outlet 206. The waste fan230 is positioned so to communicate with the waste outlet 208. The mainand waste fans 228 and 230 may comprise any type of device that isconfigured to produce an air flow upon rotation.

[0084] In one embodiment, the fans comprises flat discs having louvers234 punched therethrough. The fans are preferably manufactured of ahighly thermally conductive material.

[0085] In operation, the motor 22 is powered through a power source (notshown) in a well known manner. The thermoelectric device 232 cools themain fan 228 and heats the waste fan 230 (or vice versa) in the mannerdescribed above with respect to the previous embodiments. The fans alsorotate to produce a flow of conditioned and waste air through theconditioned air outlet 206 and the waste air outlet 208, respectively.The air may be routed to cool a desired location, such as beneath adesk.

[0086] If desired, ducts, hoses and other devices may be connected tothe outlets to further direct the flow of air therefrom.

[0087]FIG. 12 shows another embodiment of a heat exchanger comprising afan unit 170 having a plurality of air flow generating members, such asblades 172, that rotate about an drive axle 174. A motor 176 isdrivingly connected to the axle 174, either directly or indirectly, suchas through a gear mechanism. One or more electrical heat generatingdevices, such as electrical resistors 180, are mounted on the blades172. The resistors may be embedded within the blades 172 or may bepainted thereon, such as with adhesive.

[0088] In operation, the resistors 180 are heated by applying anelectrical current thereto and the axle 174 is rotated via the motor176. The blades 172 generate an airflow, which is heated by theresistors through a convective process. The fan unit 170 is thereby usedto generate a heated airflow.

[0089] Given the above disclosure, other variations of this inventionwill be known to those skilled in the art. For example, the rotors 42,44 are shown connected to the rotating shaft 52 by plate 51 locatedadjacent the first or upper wall 31. In this configuration the interiorcavity formed by the inner diameters of rotors 42, 44 areinterconnected. It is believed possible to have the plate 51 contouredto the exterior shape of the top portion of motor 50 and then extendradially outward at about the plane containing the thermoelectric 46.That would place a physical separation between the air flows enteringrotors 42 and 44. It is also believed possible to form the housing ofmotor 50 with a radial flange extending radially outward at about theplane containing boundary line 56, with the motor 50 rotating, and thusprovide a physical separation between the air flows entering the rotor42 and 44.

[0090] The above description refers primarily to the use of the methodand apparatus in a vehicle seat. But the method and apparatus areequally applicable to other seats, including, but not limited to,theater seats, office seats, airplane seats, seats found in the homesuch as sofas and recliners, hospital seats for patients, hospital bedsfor bedridden patients, and wheelchairs. The method and apparatus isespecially useful where a localized flow of conditioned air is desired.

[0091] The above description refers to the passage of air through theheat exchangers, but the present invention is not limited to air asother gases may be used with the present apparatus and method. Indeed,some gases, such as helium, have greater thermal conductivity than airand are desirable in certain applications, while other gasses such asoxygen, nitrogen or argon may be more desirable in other applications. Avariety of gases and gas mixtures can be used as the particularapplication requires.

[0092] Further, liquids can be used with the present invention byapplying appropriate liquid seals and insulators known in the art tokeep the liquid circulating through the heat exchanger from makingelectrical contact with the thermoelectric device and any otherelectrical devices. Thus, liquids such as water and antifreeze arecontemplated for use with the present method and apparatus, as areliquid metals such as liquid sodium. The particular liquid used willdepend upon the application. The increased thermal conductivity achievedby passing the liquids over the rotating heat exchanger offer thepossibility of increased heat conduction over less dense and lessconductive gases. Whether a liquid or gas is most advantageous will varywith the particular application. For ease of reference, the term “fluid”will be used to refer to a gas, a liquid or both.

[0093] Because the temperature change available from a thermoelectriccan be significant, the rotating heat exchanger of the present inventionhas potential applicability to a wide variety of uses other than theseat, fan and cooler described herein. The method and apparatus ofdescribed herein are generally applicable to any situation where thereis a desire to pump a thermally conditioned fluid. Such applicationsinclude constant temperature devices, as for example devices using areference temperature as in a thermocouple assembly. Constanttemperature baths for laboratory equipment and experiments is anotherexemplary application, as for instance growing bacteria cultures or cellcultures. The method and apparatus described herein are particularlyuseful where lower flow rates and/or smaller temperature changes aredesired, but the invention is not so limited and may find application insituations requiring large flow rates and/or substantial temperaturedifferences.

[0094] By placing a temperature sensor at a predetermined location,whether on the heat exchanger, the rotating fan, upstream or downstreamof the heat exchanger, and electronically controlling the thermoelectricand the fan rotation, a controlled stream of thermally conditioned fluidcan be provided to maintain the temperature at a predeterminedtemperature, or to provide predetermined thermal conditions. Thus, theinvention provides advantages where localized thermal control isdesired, as in vehicle seats, waterbeds, aquariums, water coolers, andcooling of non-carbonated beverages such as wine and punch. In theseapplications the temperature is controlled to a fairly constanttemperature, or controlled within a fairly narrow temperature range ofless than about a 5° F. variation above or below a predeterminedtemperature, and more typically within a 1-2° F. variation on eitherside of a predetermined temperature. Such temperature control systemsare known to those skilled in the art and their incorporation and usewith the present method and apparatus are not described in detailherein.

[0095] Further, this device and method find particular application insituations where a fluid of differing temperature is desired at varioustimes. The fan portion of the device may be operated with thethermoelectric heating or cooling aspects being activated only whendesired to thermally condition the fluid flowing through the fan. Thus aheated, cooled, or neutral temperature fluid can be provided by the samedevice and method.

[0096] Although the foregoing description of the preferred embodiment ofthe preferred invention has shown, described, and pointed out certainnovel features of the invention, it will be understood that variousomissions, substitutions, and changes in the form of the detail of theapparatus as illustrated as well as the uses thereof, may be made bythose skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of thepresent invention. Consequently, the scope of the present inventionshould not be limited by the foregoing discussion, which is intended toillustrate rather than limit the scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A temperature controlled ventilation system for aseat, comprising: a supply side heat exchanger forming a hole thereinabout an axis of rotation and configured to allow air to pass outwardfrom said axis of rotation; a waste side heat exchanger forming a holetherein about said axis of rotation and configured to allow air to passoutward from said axis of rotation; a thermoelectric device havingopposing surfaces that generate elevated temperatures on one surface andreduced temperatures on the opposing surface depending on the electricalpotential applied to the thermoelectric device, one opposing surfacebeing connected to and in thermal communication with the supply sideheat exchanger and the other opposing surface being connected to and inthermal communication with the waste side heat exchanger; a motordrivingly connected to at least one of the heat exchangers orthermoelectric device to rotate the heat exchangers about the axis ofrotation to cause air to enter at least one of the holes and passoutward through the heat exchanger; a housing containing at least thesupply heat exchanger and forming an outlet through which air exitsafter passing through the supply heat exchanger; a seat of a motorvehicle having a surface against which a person rests, the surfacehaving passages therethrough in at least a portion of the surface wherethe person rests, the surface being in fluid communication with theoutlet of the supply heat exchanger, the heat exchanger and motorrotation cooperating so air from the heat exchanger is forced throughthe surface to provide conditioned air in the area where the passengerrests against the surface.
 2. A system as defined in claim 1, whereinthe housing encloses both heat exchangers and further comprising aninsulating layer between the first and second heat exchangers thatextends radially outward toward the housing to form an insulated barrierbetween the supply and waste heat exchangers
 3. A system as defined inclaim 1, additionally comprising a wicking material being connected toat least a portion of the housing and having a first portion in contactwith air exiting the supply heat exchanger and having a second portionin contact with air exiting the waste heat exchanger so that if one ofthe heat exchangers generates moisture the wicking material conducts themoisture away from the heat exchanger producing the moisture.
 4. Asystem as defined in claim 1, wherein the combined height of the heatexchangers and thermoelectric device is less than about 30 mm whenmeasured along the rotational axis.
 5. A system as defined in claim 1,wherein the housing encloses both heat exchangers and further comprisingan insulating layer between the first and second heat exchangers thatextends radially outward toward the housing to form an insulated barrierbetween the supply and waste heat exchangers.
 6. A system as defined inclaim 1, wherein the heat exchangers comprise annular heat exchangersforming annular holes, with the motor nesting into at least one of saidannular holes.
 7. A system as defined in claim 6, further comprising awicking material connected to at least a portion of the housing andhaving a first portion in contact with air exiting the supply heatexchanger and having a second portion in contact with air exiting thewaste heat exchanger so that if one of the heat exchangers generatesmoisture the wicking material conducts the moisture away from the heatexchanger producing the moisture.
 8. A system as defined in claim 7,wherein the housing further encloses the waste side heat exchanger andhas a waste side outlet in fluid communication with a passage thatexhausts the air from the waste side of the heat exchanger.
 9. A systemfor use with a seat having a surface in fluid communication with a heatexchanger, comprising: a first heat exchanger having an outlet in fluidcommunication with the surface of the seat, the first heat exchangercomprising: an electronic element selected to generate heat in responseto an electrical current; a heat exchanger connected to and in thermalcommunication with the electronic element, the heat exchanger comprisinga first series of heat exchange surfaces rotatable about a rotationalaxis and configured to transfer a temperature differential from theelectronic element, the electronic element and the heat exchanger beingconnected to rotate about the rotational axis so that the first seriesof heat exchange surfaces generates a fluid flow across the heatexchange surfaces.
 10. The system of claim 9, wherein the electronicelement comprises a thermoelectric device that has opposing surfacescomprising a first junction on one surface and a second junction on anopposing surface, with the first junction being at a higher temperaturethan the second junction when electrical current is applied to thethermoelectric element in a first direction, and with the first junctionbeing at a lower temperature than the second junction when theelectrical current is applied to the electronic element in a seconddirection.
 11. The system of claim 9, wherein the heat exchangeradditionally comprises a second heat exchanger connected to and inthermal communication with the second junction of the thermoelectricelement, the second heat exchanger comprising a second series of heatexchange surfaces rotatable about a rotational axis and configured totransfer a temperature differential from the second junction, the secondheat exchanger being connected to rotate about the rotational axis withthe first heat exchanger so that the second series of heat exchangesurfaces generates a fluid flow across the second series of heatexchange surfaces.
 12. The system of claim 11, wherein at least one ofthe first and second series of heat exchange surfaces form substantiallyflat sheets extending outward from the rotational axis and define aseries of spaces between the blades.
 13. The system of 11, wherein thefluid comprises a gas and at least one of the first and second series ofheat exchange surfaces are separated by a distance in the range ofapproximately 0.5-2 mm.
 14. The system of 12, wherein the fluidcomprises a gas and at least one of the first and second series of heatexchange surfaces are separated by a distance in the range ofapproximately 0.5-2 mm.
 15. The system of 11, wherein the fluidcomprises a gas, the heat exchangers comprise annular heat exchangersand the combined height of the heat exchangers and thermoelectricelement is less than about 30 mm measured along the rotational axis. 16.The system of 12, wherein the fluid comprises a gas, the heat exchangerscomprise annular heat exchangers and the combined height of the heatexchangers and the thermoelectric element is less than about 30 mmmeasured along the rotational axis.
 17. The system of claim 13, whereinthe fluid comprises a gas and at least one of the first and secondseries of heat exchange surfaces are of thermally conductive materialand have a thickness in the range of approximately 0.05-0.2 mm.
 18. Thesystem of claim 14, wherein the fluid comprises a gas and at least oneof the first and second series of heat exchange surfaces are ofthermally conductive material and have a thickness in the range ofapproximately 0.05-0.2 mm.
 19. The system of claim 15, wherein the fluidcomprises a gas and at least one of the first and second series of heatexchange surfaces are of thermally conductive material and have athickness in the range of approximately 0.05-0.2 mm.
 20. A system forproviding conditioned fluid to a seat, comprising: an electronic deviceselected to convert electrical energy into thermal energy producing atemperature change in response to an electrical current being appliedthereto, the electronic device being mounted to rotate about arotational axis; a heat transfer device having an outlet in fluidcommunication with the seat, the heat transfer device comprising: arotatable flow generating device configured to produce a fluid flow inresponse to rotation thereof about the axis, the flow generating devicefurther being in conductive thermal communication with the electronicdevice so that the airflow generating device conducts the temperaturechange generated by the heat transfer device to transfer the temperaturechange to the fluid flowing across the heat transfer device.
 21. Thesystem of claim 20, wherein the electronic device comprises athermoelectric device.
 22. The system of claim 20, wherein the flowgenerating device comprises a series of radially-extending heat exchangesurfaces connected to a first surface of a thermoelectric device. 23.The system of claim 21, wherein the flow generating device comprises afirst series of outwardly-extending heat exchange surfaces connected toand in thermal communication with a first surface of the thermoelectricdevice, and a second series of outwardly-extending heat exchangesurfaces connected to an opposing, second surface of the thermoelectricdevice.
 24. A temperature controlled ventilation system for a seat,comprising: means for producing a temperature differential; and supplyside heat exchanger means for conducting said temperature change, saidheat exchanger means further comprising fluid flow generating means forcausing fluid to flow across said heat exchanger means, said supply sideheat exchanger means being in fluid communication with the seat.
 25. Atemperature controlled ventilation system for a seat having a fluiddistribution system in fluid communication with the seat, comprising: afirst fan rotating about a rotational axis and having a first pluralityof heat exchange elements configured to generate a fluid flow throughthe heat exchange elements when rotated and in conductive thermalcommunication with an electronic device that converts electrical energyinto a temperature change, the fan being enclosed in a housing that hasan outlet in fluid communication with the fluid distribution system. 26.A system as defined in claim 25, wherein the electronic device comprisesa thermoelectric device having a first side in thermal communicationwith said fan, and further comprising a second fan having a secondplurality of heat exchange elements in conductive thermal communicationwith a second side of the thermoelectric device to conduct a temperaturedifferential from said second side of the thermoelectric device, thesecond fan being enclosed in a housing that has an outlet in fluidcommunication with an exhaust port.
 27. The system of claim 26, whereinat least one of the first and second plurality of heat exchange elementsform substantially flat sheets extending radially outward from therotational axis and define a series of spaces between the blades. 28.The system of claim 26, wherein the fluid comprises a gas and at leastone of the first and second plurality of heat exchange elements areseparated by a distance in the range of approximately 0.5-2 mm.
 29. Thesystem of claim 26, wherein the fluid comprises a gas and the height ofthe fans and thermoelectric device is less than about 30 mm measuredalong the rotational axis.
 30. The system of claim 26, wherein the fluidcomprises a gas and at least one of the first and second plurality ofheat exchange elements are of a high thermal conductivity material andhave a thickness in the range of approximately 0.05-0.2 mm.
 31. A systemof claim 26, further comprising a wicking material having a firstportion in contact with a gas exiting the first plurality of heatexchange elements and having a second portion in contact with a gasexiting the second plurality of heat exchange elements to conduct anymoisture away from the housing in which the moisture is produced.
 32. Amethod for providing temperature controlled ventilation to a seat havinga seat surface, comprising the steps of: forming a supply side heatexchanger rotating about an axis of rotation and configuring the heatexchanger to allow fluid to pass therethrough; forming a waste side heatexchanger rotating about said axis of rotation and configuring the wasteside heat exchanger to allow fluid to pass therethrough; providing athermoelectric device having opposing surfaces that generate elevatedtemperatures on one surface and reduced temperatures on the opposingsurface depending on the electrical potential applied to thethermoelectric device, and conductively connecting one opposing surfaceof the thermoelectric device to the supply side heat exchanger andconductively connecting the other opposing surface to the waste sideheat exchanger; rotating at the heat exchangers and thermoelectricdevice about the axis of rotation to cause fluid to pass through theheat exchanger; enclosing the supply heat exchanger and forming anoutlet through which fluid exits after passing through the supply heatexchanger; and placing the seat surface in fluid communication with theoutlet of the supply heat exchanger.
 33. A method as defined in claim32, comprising the further step of enclosing both heat exchangers andinsulating the first and second heat exchangers from each other.
 34. Amethod for use with a seat having an exterior surface where a personrests, comprising the steps of: placing a first heat exchanger having afluid outlet in fluid communication with the exterior surface of theseat and mounting the heat exchanger to rotate about a rotational axis;placing the first heat exchanger in conductive thermal communicationwith an electrical device that is selected to generate a temperaturechange when an electrical current is applied to the electrical device;and rotating the first heat exchanger about the axis to force fluidthrough the heat exchanger while conditioning the temperature of thefluid passing over the heat exchanger.
 35. The method of claim 34,wherein the step of placing the heat exchanger in thermal communicationwith an electrical device comprises the step of placing the first heatexchanger in thermal communication with a first surface of a rotatingthermoelectric device.
 36. The method of claim 35, comprising thefurther steps of: placing a second heat exchanger in conductive thermalcommunication with a second surface of the thermoelectric device; androtating the second heat exchanger about the axis with the first heatexchanger to force fluid through the second heat exchanger whileconditioning the fluid passing through the second heat exchanger; 37.The method of claim 36, comprising the further step of forming at leastone of the first and second heat exchangers to have a series of heatexchange elements formed of substantially flat sheets extending radiallyoutward from the rotational axis and define a series of spaces betweenthe blades.
 38. The method of claim 37, comprising the further step ofseparating said series of heat exchange elements by a distance in therange of approximately 0.5-2 mm.
 39. The method of claim 36, comprisingthe further step of forming the first and second series of heat exchangeelements and the thermoelectric device to have an annular shape and acombined height that is less than about 30 mm measured along therotational axis.
 40. The method of claim 36, comprising the further stepof forming the series of heat exchange elements of a thermallyconductive material with a thickness in the range of approximately0.05-0.2 mm.
 41. The method of claim 36, comprising the further step ofplacing the heat exchangers inside the seat.
 42. A method of providingtemperature controlled ventilation to an seat, comprising the steps of:producing a temperature differential; and conducting said temperaturedifferential to a heat exchanger to condition a fluid flowing across theheat exchanger; rotating said heat exchanger to cause the fluid to flowacross the heat exchanger; placing fluid from the heat exchanger influid communication with the seat.
 43. A method for providingtemperature controlled ventilation to an seat having an fluiddistribution system in fluid communication with the seat, comprising thesteps of: generating a temperature differential by an electronic devicethat is selected to convert electrical energy into a temperature change;placing a first plurality of heat exchange surfaces of a first fan inconductive thermal communication with the electronic device to conductthe temperature differential through the heat exchange surfaces;rotating the first fan about a rotational axis to cause the fluid topass over the heat exchange surfaces to condition the fluid; enclosingthe fan in a housing that has an outlet; and placing the outlet in fluidcommunication with the fluid distribution system.
 44. A method definedin claim 43, wherein the electronic device comprises a thermoelectricdevice having a first side in thermal communication with said fan, andfurther comprising the steps of providing a second fan having a secondplurality of heat exchange surfaces placed in conductive thermalcommunication with a second side of the thermoelectric device to conducta temperature differential from said second side of the thermoelectricdevice, and rotating the second fan with the first fan, and enclosingthe second fan in a housing that has an outlet in fluid communicationwith an exhaust port.
 45. An apparatus for thermally conditioning afluid, comprising: an electronic device selected to convert electricalenergy into thermal energy producing a temperature change in response toan electrical current being applied thereto, the electronic device beingmounted to rotate about a rotational axis; a heat transfer device inconductive thermal communication with the electronic device and beingmounted to rotate about the axis, the heat transfer device havingthermally radiating surfaces arranged to produce a fluid flow across thesurfaces when rotated about the axis.
 46. The system of claim 45,wherein the electronic device comprises a thermoelectric device.
 47. Theapparatus of claim 45, wherein the heat transfer device comprises afirst series of outwardly-extending thermally radiating surfacesconnected to a first surface of the electric device.
 48. The apparatusof claim 46, wherein the heat transfer device comprises a first seriesof thermally radiating surfaces connected to a first surface of thethermoelectric device, and a second series of thermally radiatingsurfaces connected to an opposing, second surface of the thermoelectricdevice.
 49. The apparatus of claim 48, wherein the heat transfer deviceis contained in a housing having at least one outlet in fluidcommunication with a seat.
 50. An apparatus for thermally conditioning afluid, comprising: means for producing a temperature change; androtating supply side heat exchanger means for conducting saidtemperature change, said heat exchanger means further comprising fluidflow generating means for causing fluid to flow across said heatexchanger means.
 51. The apparatus defined of claim 50, wherein saidfluid comprises a gas and said supply side heat exchanger means is influid communication with a seat to provide gas from the heat exchangermeans to the seat.
 52. A temperature conditioning fluid moving device,comprising: a first fan rotating about a rotational axis and having afirst plurality of heat exchange surfaces in conductive thermalcommunication with an electronic device that converts electrical energyinto a temperature change, the fan being enclosed in a housing that hasan outlet.
 53. A device as defined in claim 52, wherein the electronicdevice comprises a thermoelectric device having a first side in thermalcommunication with said fan, and further comprising a second fan havinga second plurality of heat exchange surfaces in conductive thermalcommunication with a second side of the thermoelectric device to conducta temperature change from said second side of the thermoelectric device,the second fan being enclosed in a housing that has an outlet.
 54. Adevice as defined in claim 53, wherein at least one of the outlets is influid communication with a seat.
 55. A device as defined in claim 53,wherein at least some of the heat exchange surfaces form substantiallyflat sheets extending outward from the rotational axis and define aseries of spaces between the sheets.
 56. A device as defined in claim53, wherein the at least one of the first and second series of heatexchange surfaces are separated by a distance in the range ofapproximately 0.5-2 mm.
 57. A device as defined in claim 53, wherein thefans have an annular shape and the height of the fans and thermoelectricdevice is less than about 30 mm measured along the rotational axis. 58.A device as defined in claim 53, wherein at least one of the first andsecond plurality of heat exchange surfaces are of a thermally conductivematerial and have a thickness in the range of approximately 0.05-0.2 mm.59. A method for thermally conditioning a fluid, comprising the stepsof: forming a supply side heat exchanger rotating about an axis ofrotation and configuring that heat exchanger to pass therethrough;forming a waste side heat exchanger rotating about said axis of rotationand configuring the waste side heat exchanger to allow gas to passthrough; providing a thermoelectric device having opposing surfaces thatgenerate elevated temperatures on one surface and reduced temperatureson the opposing surface depending on the electrical potential applied tothe thermoelectric device, and conductively connecting one opposingsurface of the thermoelectric device to the supply side heat exchangerand conductively connecting the other opposing surface to the waste sideheat exchanger; rotating the heat exchangers and thermoelectric deviceabout the axis of rotation to cause gas to pass through the heatexchangers; and enclosing the supply heat exchanger and forming anoutlet through which gas exits after passing through the supply heatexchanger.
 60. A method as defined in claim 59 wherein the step offorming the supply side heat exchanger comprises forming the heatexchanger with a hole therein about said axis of rotation andconfiguring that heat exchanger to allow gas to pass outward from saidaxis of rotation; and wherein said step of forming a waste side heatexchanger comprises the step of forming a hole therein about said axisof rotation and configuring the waste side heat exchanger to allow gasto pass outward from said axis of rotation; and wherein said step ofrotating the heat exchangers and thermoelectric device about the axis ofrotation causes fluid to enter at least one of the holes and passoutward through the heat exchanger.
 61. A method as defined in claim 59,comprising the further steps of: placing a seat in fluid communicationwith the outlet of the supply side heat exchanger.
 62. A method forthermally conditioning and moving a fluid, comprising the steps of:forming a first heat exchanger having radiative surfaces aligned toallow the passage of gas outward from an axis about which the heatexchanger rotates; placing the first heat exchanger in conductivethermal communication with an electrical device that generates atemperature change when an electrical current is applied to theelectrical device; and rotating the first heat exchanger about the axis.63. The method of claim 62, wherein the step of placing the heatexchanger in thermal communication with an electrical device comprisesthe step of placing the first heat exchanger in thermal communicationwith a first surface of a thermoelectric device.
 64. The method of claim63, comprising the further step of placing the heat exchanger inside aseat.
 65. A method of providing temperature controlled fluid, comprisingthe steps of: producing a temperature change by an electronic device;and conducting said temperature change to a heat exchanger havingradiative surfaces; and rotating said heat exchanger to cause fluid toflow across the radiative surfaces of the heat exchanger.
 66. A methodas defined in claim 65, comprising the further step of placing fluidfrom the heat exchanger in thermal communication with a seat.
 67. Amethod as defined in claim 65, comprising the further step ofcirculating fluid conditioned by at least a portion of the heatexchanger to the interior of a chamber.
 68. A method as defined in claim67, comprising the further step of thermally insulating the chamber andproviding an closable opening to allow access to the interior of thechamber.